The U23 Vietnam team entered the third-place match against U23 Korea in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals with a registered list of 21 players, instead of 23 people.
Previously, in the 3 group stage matches along with the quarter-finals and semi-finals, U23 Vietnam registered all 23 players. However, central defender Nguyen Hieu Minh suffered a ligament rupture injury and had to be sidelined for a long time, unable to continue participating. Central defender Ly Duc received a red card in the semi-finals, meaning suspension and not eligible to play.
The absence of two center-backs forces U23 Vietnam to make personnel adjustments in defense. In the current list, Nguyen Duc Anh and Le Van Ha are options that can be arranged to play as starters instead. Both have a long time to train and play with the team, meeting professional requirements for the match against U23 Korea.
The registered list of U23 Vietnam in the 3rd place match includes goalkeepers Tran Trung Kien, Pham Dinh Hai and Cao Van Binh. The defense includes Vo Anh Quan, Nguyen Duc Anh, Nguyen Nhat Minh and Le Van Ha.
The midfield line includes Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Le Viktor, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Pham Minh Phuc and Nguyen Le Phat.
In the attack, U23 Vietnam has forwards including Nguyen Ngoc My, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Quoc Viet.
The match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Korea to compete for 3rd place in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals takes place at 10:00 PM on January 23.
